Firefighting Aircraft Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Aircraft Type (Fixed Wing and Rotorcraft), by Maximum Takeoff Weight (Less than 8000 kg, 8000 to 30,000 kg, and More than 30,000 kg), By Service (Firefighting Operations, Aerial Surveillance and Monitoring, and Aerial Logistics and Support), By End-user (Government, Private Firefighting Contractors, and Industrial Companies), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global firefighting aircraft market is projected to exhibit considerable growth over the upcoming years. The aircraft is utilized to assist in controlling large fires. These aircraft and helicopters assist in combating forest fires with speed and efficiency. Factors such as an increase in wildfire frequency and severity, heightened government investment and funding, growing environmental awareness, and the impacts of climate change are driving the market for firefighting aircraft.

• The global increase in wildfires is due to factors such as climate change, extended droughts, and changes in land use. As a result, there is a growing demand for advanced firefighting aircraft to better tackle the difficulties presented by wildfires.


• The increasing wildfire landscape has led to a surge in the deployment and availability of firefighting aircraft. In July 2023, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California in the U.S., revealed that more than USD 72 million would be provided to CAL FIRE in funding. CAL FIRE intends to utilize the assigned funds to further enhance its fleet of firefighting aircraft for the second year in a row. These advancements show a significant investment in improving firefighting abilities. These investments play a crucial role in driving the firefighting aircraft market, as they allow firefighting agencies to possess, uphold, and utilize a larger and more sophisticated fleet.

Firefighting Aircraft Market Driver

Increase in the Number and Intensity of Forest Fires

• The increase in the number and intensity of wildfires is a key factor driving the need for and use of firefighting planes. Extended dry periods and changing ways of using land lead to more frequent and severe wildfires due to climate change. A recent report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal has brought attention to the growing risk of wildfires worldwide as a result of climate change and changes in land use.

Rise in Government's Investment and Funding

• The rise in government spending on investment is a major factor driving the market for firefighting aircraft. Governments acknowledge the pressing requirement to improve firefighting abilities in to safeguard lives, property, and natural resources with the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires. As a result of this, there is a noticeable pattern of governments dedicating significant funding to strengthen firefighting infrastructure. Government funding supports the purchasing, upkeep, and updating of firefighting airplane fleets. In November 2023, the Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment in the European Union approved a state budget that designates USD 12.5 million for acquiring two firefighting helicopters and hiring four firefighting planes.

Firefighting Aircraft Market Restraint

Cost of Acquisition and Operation is High

• Obtaining firefighting aircraft, such as air tankers and specialized helicopters, involves significant initial costs. Additionally, the financial strain is increased by operational expenses, which include maintenance, fuel, and personnel costs. The high costs pose a significant challenge for firefighting agencies.

Firefighting Aircraft Market Opportunity

Technological Advancements to Open Doors to New Opportunities

• Advancements in firefighting aircraft technology, such as upgraded water/retardant delivery systems, improved avionics, and more streamlined aircraft designs, are opening up possibilities for manufacturers. Developers are creating new aircraft models to transport bigger loads and function more efficiently in various surroundings.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends


• Latest Technological Advancement/Developments


• Porters Five Forces Analysis


• Supply Chain Analysis

Segmentation

Analysis by Aircraft:

The firefighting aircraft market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotorcraft.

The fixed-wing aircraft segment is the primary choice for commercial aviation and long-distance travel, whereas rotorcraft is preferred for missions that necessitate vertical lift, hovering capabilities, and agility. The market is dominated by fixed-wing aircraft.

Analysis by Maximum Takeoff Weight:

The firefighting aircraft market is divided into less than 8,000 kg, 8,000 to 30,000 kg, and more than 30,000 kg take-off weight.

The less than 8,000 kg segment dominates the firefighting aircraft market due to the versatility and wide range of uses for these lightweight aircraft. Nonetheless, the more than 30,000 kg segment is expected to experience the fastest growth due to the increasing need for big, high-capacity firefighting planes to tackle the escalating danger of intense wildfires worldwide.

Analysis by Service:

The firefighting aircraft market has different segments divided into firefighting operations, aerial surveillance and monitoring, and aerial logistics and support.

The firefighting operations segment dominates the firefighting aircraft market. This dominance is due to the crucial role of aerial firefighting in managing wildfires and the globally growing service demand as wildfires become more frequent and intense. Although firefighting operations are currently the main focus in the market, the aerial surveillance and monitoring sector is becoming increasingly important due to technological advancements improving firefighting efficiency and effectiveness.

Analysis by End-user:

By end-user, the firefighting aircraft market is segmented into government, private firefighting contractors, and industrial companies.

The government segment dominates the firefighting aircraft market and the private firefighting contractors and industrial companies segments are seeing significant growth. The rising number of wildfires and the necessity for efficient firefighting solutions are fueling demand in all sectors, with private contractors experiencing notable growth by offering specialized services to improve firefighting efforts.

Regional Analysis:

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By region, the aerial firefighting market is divided into five main regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

In North America, communities constantly deal with the danger of wildfires, burning neighborhoods, forcing people to leave their homes, and causing widespread destruction. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported a total of 66,255 fire incidents in the U.S. in 2022, scorching approximately 7.53 million acres of natural landscape. In 2022, Texas had the most wildfires, whereas Alaska had the largest amount of land (acres) burned in the U.S. Due to these factors, North America dominates the firefighting aircraft market and is currently undergoing rapid expansion.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Viking Air (Canada)


• ShinMaywa (Japan)


• Airbus SE (Netherlands)


• Textron (U.S.)


• Saab AB (Sweden)


• Lockheed Martin (U.S.)


• Bombardier Inc. (Canada)


• Conair Group (Canada)


• Embraer (Brazil)


• Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland)

Key Industry Developments

• In November 2023, Coulson Aviation obtained a USD 16 million firefighting agreement to continue assisting the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in Southern California until the end of 2024, with a chance of extending it to 2025.


• In February 2023, Airbus Helicopters was awarded a contract to provide the Los Angeles County Fire Department with 22 H145 helicopters for firefighting and emergency medical services.


• In January 2023, Leonardo agreed to supply six AW189 helicopters to the Italian Ministry of Defense for firefighting missions through a signed contract.


• In December 2022, the U.S. Forest Service awarded Bell Textron a contract for 100 Bell 407GXi helicopters for firefighting missions, showing the increasing need for specialized aircraft to tackle wildfires and emergencies.